I practiced magic in the Three Kingdoms

After a conversation, Luo Jun finally realized how difficult a counselor like Guo Jia was to deal with. If the other party really insisted on staying in Prince Chen's Mansion and refused to leave, he was afraid that he would really have no way to deal with Guo Jia.

Halfway through the banquet, a guard suddenly came in and reported: "Your Majesty, Prime Minister, someone outside wants to see you."

"Oh? Who is it?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Chong couldn't help but feel curious. Knowing that he was hosting a banquet for Guo Jia, he still came to ask for a meeting. The identity of the visitor must be extraordinary.

The guard bowed his head and replied, "The man claims to be Shi Zijun from Luoyang, and is a companion of Mr. Fengxiao."

"Shia!"

Because they knew little about the secret guard organization under Wang Jing, Liu Chong and Luo Jun naturally had never heard of Shi A's name. After all, Shi A seldom appeared in public and did not participate in frontal combat. He was often responsible for covert operations, so he was not well-known.

Liu Chong and Luo Jun looked at each other, not knowing whether they should let Shi A go to see Guo Jia. What if this was an assassin sent by other princes, and something happened to Guo Jia, they would have a hard time defending themselves, and they would not be able to clear themselves even if they jumped into the Yellow River.

Guo Jia, on the other hand, learned that Shi A had returned safely. His originally playful and carefree expression suddenly changed, and his eyes, which were as bright as stars, regained their former sharpness and depth. "Prince Chen, Prime Minister, Zijun is indeed Jia's companion. He accompanied him all the way on this diplomatic mission to Nanyang."

"Since you are Mr. Fengxiao's companion, you are naturally also a distinguished guest of Prince Chen's Mansion. Please come in."

Liu Chong expressed his opinion, and the guards immediately led Shi A from outside the door into the banquet hall.

At this moment, Shi A took off his mask and walked to Liu Chong with empty hands: "Greetings, King Chen."

When Liu Chong saw Shi A's sharp eyes, his eyes suddenly lit up. As a warrior, his instinct made him feel Shi A's danger and strength, so his eyes lit up: "You are a distinguished guest, no need to be polite, please take a seat."

"Thank you, King Chen."

Shi A still had no expression on his face. For a top swordsman, not only his swordsmanship had to be steady, but his emotions had to be stable as well.

Because a sword that is not stable enough will lead to death.

Shi A's arrival made Guo Jia, who had been refusing to leave Huaiyang, change his tone: "Prince Chen, I will leave Huaiyang and return home early tomorrow morning. I heard that the territory of Yuzhou is quite unstable. I am afraid that I will have to trouble the prime minister to lead the army to escort me personally to avoid any accidents."

This domineering and self-righteous attitude really made Liu Chong want to laugh and get angry at the same time.

Guo Fengxiao, are you unable to walk or unable to move?
You actually want me, Prime Minister Chen, to personally lead the troops to escort them?
Do you want me to let you be King of Chen?
But no matter how angry he was, Liu Chong really didn't dare not escort him. After all, he was more worried than anyone else about the terrible consequences that would result if Guo Jia died in his own territory.

King Chen could not afford to take the blame, nor did he want to.

The next day, Prime Minister Luo Jun personally led an army of 30,000 to escort Guo Jia and Shi A out of the country. The mighty army even made the forces around the State of Chen feel uneasy, thinking that Liu Chong wanted to expand his territory.

Luo Jun accompanied Guo Jia and Shi A all the way to the eastern suburbs of Yangxia, a hundred miles away from the city. They stopped when they met Guan Yu, who had led his troops there after hearing the news.

Luo Jun seemed to be relieved, and looked at Guo Jia: "Master Guo, the territory of Chenliu is just ahead, your army will definitely send people to support us, please forgive me for not being able to see you off."

"Hahaha, you are too polite, Prime Minister. The fine wine and delicious food in Prince Chen's mansion really make me linger. If I were not on important business, I would have to stay for a while longer to appreciate the beautiful scenery of Chen State."

Luo Jun thought Guo Jia was just being polite, so he also said a few polite words: "If you have time, Chen Guo will make a bed to welcome you and wait for you at any time."

Guo Jia looked at Luo Jun with a half-smile on his face: "If I really come, I'm afraid that many people in Chen State will be unable to sleep well and eat well."

So you also know that you are the god of plague?

Luo Jun didn't have Guo Jia's thick skin, so he could only say with a shy expression: "Master Guo, you are joking. My king is a hospitable person. If he knew that you were coming, he would definitely welcome you."

Although what I said was all true, how could I admit to such a shameful thing?

…………

Chenliu County, Southern Yu County
This place is the hometown of Cai Yong, a groom, but today, a large army is approaching.

The main force of 20,000 infantry was in the rear, and 3,000 cavalrymen holding iron spears were leading the way in front. These elite soldiers from Hedong were all clad in armor, skilled in horsemanship, and their war horses stomped the ground like thunder, sweeping in the north wind.

The army marched in strict formations, and just approaching was like a dark cloud covering the sky, roaring in with boundless power.

Luo Jun felt frightened when he watched from afar.

Although the State of Chen was not weak under his governance, even when compared with other princes, it could be regarded as a leader with strong soldiers and horses.

However, things like strength and weakness are usually revealed through comparison.

Compared with the powerful military appearance of Wang Jing's army, the soldiers of the State of Chen always lacked the domineering arrogance and invincible confidence.

Luo Jun secretly made a decision in his heart again. It would be better not to provoke Wang Jing or to tease him. Especially after returning, he must persuade Chen Wang Liu Chong not to get too close to Tao Qian of Xuzhou in the future, so as to avoid being dragged down by this restless old man.

"Prime Minister, we'll see you again if we're lucky."

Guo Jia waved towards Luo Jun, his tone quite reluctant.

Luo Jun wished that Guo Jia, the plague god, would disappear from his sight sooner, but he still had to force a smile: "After sending you a thousand miles, we must say goodbye. Jun wishes Guo Jijiu a safe journey."

After Guo Jia and Luo Jun said goodbye, three thousand cavalrymen also rushed to the front. The two generals in the lead, one green and one red, their majestic and mighty figures soon came into view.

"Feng Xiao!"

Holding a Zhangba Snake Spear and wearing the Red Wing Sky Flame Armor, Zhang Fei rode his horse at full speed like a ball of running fire, rushing forward.

Before he arrived, his loud voice echoed in the air: "Hahahaha, I heard that you were surrounded by Chen Gong in Kunyang. It must be because you offended others with your foul mouth, right?"

"Jia was chased all the way and almost met with murder. Yide, you, a jerk, didn't think of defending Jia, but gloated over his misfortune in front of me. Don't you feel guilty?"

After Guo Jia finished speaking, his face was full of disgust.

Guan Yu smiled and explained for Zhang Fei: "Guo Jijiu has misunderstood. My third brother rushed from Changyi to Chenliu as soon as he heard that you were being hunted. If it weren't for the strict order from General Wei not to go into battle without permission, he would have probably already rushed to Xu County to fight Cao Cao to the death."

"Brother, stop talking nonsense. I didn't do that!"

Zhang Fei, who is about 1.9 meters tall, actually showed his arrogant side. Fortunately, his face was dark enough that others could not tell whether he was blushing or not.

Zhang Fei glanced at the Chen Wang army behind Guo Jia who had not yet retreated, and could not help but teasing: "Feng Xiao, you are escorted by 30,000 troops. You are so impressive. Even I, Zhang Fei, have never enjoyed such treatment."

Guo Jia was also very proud when he heard this, and raised his eyebrows at Zhang Fei: "Who makes my identity so important? If you want the same treatment, you have to work harder."

"Hey, I'm still panting when I tell you you're fat!"

The two bickered with each other on a daily basis. Zhang Fei was relieved to see that Guo Jia was not sick or injured and was in the mood to joke. He then waved his hand and said, "Come on, follow me back to Changyi. Everyone is waiting for you to come back."

After receiving Guo Jia and Shi A from Luo Jun, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei also led their troops to retreat slowly. Although both sides were wary of each other, there was not much hostility between them.

At present, Wang Jing has no intention of expanding southward. His influence stops at Liang State in northern Henan and he has not advanced further.

Liu Chong also had no intention of fighting for the world for the time being. He just wanted to guard his own piece of land and live a few days of peace to recuperate and accumulate strength, so the two sides could still live in peace.

Afterwards, Guan Yu sent a team of cavalry to escort Guo Jia, and Zhang Fei personally led the army to escort Guo Jia back to Changyi.

As for Shi A, he had another mission. After receiving Wang Jing's letter via carrier pigeon, he turned around and headed south again.

Changyi, the governor's office.

"Feng Xiao has returned safely."

"Jia, I pay my respects to the lord." "Please stand up quickly. Thank you for your hard work this time."

Wang Jing helped Guo Jia up from the ground, and then said: "Chen Gong planned to kill you, this precedent cannot be set. I have secretly ordered Shi A to lead the secret guards to retaliate. Anyone who dares to touch me must pay the price."

This move is not only to win people's hearts, but also a warning to the princes of the world.

It's fine for two armies to fight on the battlefield, after all, they each serve their own master, but conspiracy and assassination are obviously intolerable. Whoever dares to take the lead will be subjected to endless revenge from the secret guards.

Guo Jia was quite touched. After all, considering the interests, there was no need for Wang Jing to risk a full-scale war with Cao Cao for such a small matter.

But Wang Jing did it anyway, which shows how important I am in Wang Jing's heart.

As a counselor, I have no regrets meeting such a lord.

So Guo Jia suggested to Wang Jing: "My lord, don't make a big fuss for Jia for the time being. Chen Gong's action this time is obviously just his personal behavior, not instructed by Cao Mengde. Otherwise, given Cao Mengde's character, if he really wants to kill Jia, he will never use only more than a hundred people."

"Zijun's secret letter mentioned that Xiahou Yuan was one of the people who took action. He is Cao Cao's brother. Are you sure this is not Cao Cao's intention?"

Guo Jia said decisively: "My lord, Chen Gong is stubborn and self-willed. He must have acted on his own initiative. Cao Mengde may not have known about it beforehand. As for Xiahou Yuan, he has a violent temper and only the courage of an ordinary man. As Cao Cao's military advisor, it would be easy for Chen Gong to trick a man like him into going into battle."

Wang Jing understood what Guo Jia meant, but he was still a little unhappy: "Are we going to let them go just like that?"

Guo Jia smiled calmly at this time: "Of course not, there are many ways to retaliate, assassination is not the best option. After this incident, a rift has already appeared between Cao Cao and Chen Gong. My lord only needs to write a letter and make false threats to provoke a fight between the two tigers and split Cao Cao's army."

In terms of wisdom and strategy, Guo Jia, Xun You, Xun Yu and Jia Xu are actually top strategists of the same level, but when it comes to specific ideas, each of them has their own emphasis.

Xun You is good at military affairs, Xun Yu is good at government affairs, Jia Xu is steady in his work, and Guo Jia is best at playing with people's hearts.

Cao Cao and Chen Gong seemed to be a perfect match, but Guo Jia had already seen that the two would break up, so he suggested to Wang Jing: "My lord, what can we gain by killing Chen Gong? Once he dies, Cao Cao will only be grief-stricken and unite to fight to the death."

"On the contrary, if we spare Chen Gong's life and then spread the news that he is stubborn and self-willed, Cao Cao will be suspicious of him because of his presumptuous behavior and may even attack Chen Gong. However, Chen Gong is a famous scholar in Yanzhou and has many supporters in Cao Cao's army. These people will stick together and make trouble. They will definitely not sit back and wait for death."

Guo Jia's plan was obviously very targeted. Assassinating Chen Gong would not bring any benefit, but would help Cao Cao solve the internal division problem. On the contrary, keeping Chen Gong would widen the internal rift in Cao Cao's army.

Wang Jing laughed after hearing this: "What a great way to kill someone without spilling blood! Chen Gong has offended you, and he is really asking for trouble."

It is obvious that Guo Jia saw the problem very thoroughly.

Chen Gong was just a strategist, but he was able to mobilize generals and troops to fight without the approval of Cao Cao himself, and the person he mobilized was Xiahou Yuan, Cao Cao's trusted subordinate.

No monarch would tolerate such a thing, because it has crossed the bottom line of a subject.

There is no doubt that Chen Gong's behavior has crossed the line!
Wang Jing followed Guo Jia's advice and immediately sent another pigeon message to recall Shi A.

At the same time, he also personally wrote a sternly worded letter and had someone send it to Cao Cao as quickly as possible.

In Xu County, the north wind was howling and snowflakes began to fall from the sky.

However, Cao Cao's mood was colder than the snow falling from the sky.

Inside General Fenwu's mansion, the atmosphere was as chilly and cold as the howling north wind, making people tremble with fear.

Cao Cao's hands were shaking as he held the letter from Yanzhou.

Half is fear, half is anger.

"Chen Gongtai!"

Cao Cao was really angry this time. Chen Gong secretly mobilized Xiahou Yuan and more than a hundred elite soldiers to fight without his consent, and the person he attacked and killed was Guo Jia, Wang Jing's military advisor.

Killing itself is actually not a big deal. When Cao Cao killed Lü Bushe's family, didn't he do it without even blinking an eye?

But this time Chen Gong didn't even inform him, which was why Cao Cao was really angry: "Chen Gongtai, do you still have me as your lord in your heart?"

anger!
Murderous intent!
Cao Cao's eyes were blazing with fire and his body was filled with murderous intent. He wished he could draw his sword and kill Chen Gong.

However, Chen Gong is different from ordinary counselors. Cao Cao currently needs the help of the Yanzhou families and wealthy families behind Chen Gong and use their resources to strengthen himself.

It was precisely because of such concerns that Cao Cao did not kill the enemy directly, for he was afraid that this move would cause turmoil or even division within his own army.

But if no action is taken, Chen Gong will sooner or later become a fatal hidden danger.

For some reason, Cao Cao suddenly recalled what Wang Jing had said. Was it possible that he and Chen Gong would eventually become strangers, or even oppose each other and become enemies?
Cao Cao became melancholy and took out the "Mojing" given to him by Wang Jing from his arms. He gritted his teeth and finally made up his mind.

"Gongtai, you forced me to do this!"

At this time, Cao Cao was very conflicted, and Chen Gong was also feeling inexplicably emotional.

"Meng De, Meng De, I did force you to make a decision, but you disappointed me in the end."

Chen Gong sat at home, his cold eyes hiding a hint of melancholy and regret.

The former close friends have now gone their separate ways.

How could a smart man like Chen Gong not know the consequences of unauthorized troop movements?
But the opportunity to kill Guo Jia was too rare, and Chen Gong also wanted to use this incident to force Cao Cao to break with Wang Jing, provoke a war between the two armies, and take back Yanzhou from Wang Jing.

Instead of accepting Wang Jing's conditions, he went south to attack Liu Biao.

In Chen Gong's opinion, allowing Cao Cao to be manipulated by Wang Jing was tantamount to drinking poison to quench thirst. What good would it be even if he could seize Jingzhou?
Without Yanzhou and Yuzhou, the two important places, how can we fight for supremacy in the world and compete for the Central Plains in the future?

Chen Gong was in his backyard, looking at the snowflakes falling from above his head. His eyes turned cold again. He held the cup in his hand and looked at his reflection in the cup. His expression was bleak. He said to himself, "Meng De, Meng De, you sent me to find Yuan Shu. Do you really think I don't know what you are thinking? Between the two of us, you were the one who chose to betray first. You betrayed your origin and our mission."

"So, don't blame me."

The wine made him even more sad. After hesitating for a long time, Chen Gong finally made up his mind.

The oath they made in the past has now been broken, and this crack is difficult to bridge. It will only grow bigger with the passage of time until one of them is torn to pieces.

…………

Changyi City, the marching operations room.

Wang Jing ordered the skilled craftsmen of the Mohist school to build a large-scale proportional terrain model here, which included the entire Yuzhou and Yanzhou. The model not only had mountains, hills, cities, etc., but also used clear water to simulate a river basin one finger wide, and used mechanical devices to make the water circulate. With the help of the power of thought, it was almost indistinguishable from the real thing.

Wang Jing called Guo Jia and Xun You to discuss the next strategic approach.

Guo Jia stared at the map for a long time and exclaimed: "This sand table is very exquisitely made. It allows people to have an overview of the terrain of the two states. It is really perfect for arranging troops."

Wang Jing smiled and looked at Guo Jia: "Now that Gongda is here, can you tell me the reason why you turned back halfway during your mission?"

Guo Jia bowed to Wang Jing and then answered Wang Jing's question: "It's not that Jia deliberately concealed it, but this matter is of great importance and must be handled with caution."

There were many people around Wang Jing before, so Guo Jia did not tell the news he had obtained from Wancheng, but waited until now.

Xun You was also quite curious about this: "Did you find any important information in Wancheng?"

Guo Jia nodded: "Yes, I did find something, so I hurried back. And Chen Gong's interception on the way confirmed my guess."

Guo Jia then gave his judgment: "Originally, I went to Wancheng to seek an audience with Yuan Shu and persuade him to join forces with Cao Cao to attack Jingzhou together, so as to cause the three parties to fight and allow our army to reap the benefits. But Yuan Shu did not meet me immediately. I am afraid that he was thinking of raising the price, so I was not in a hurry to meet him. It was not until Yang Hong brought me some intelligence that I realized that something was wrong." (End of this chapter)